Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and Highly Qualified Teachers
Effective immediately, districts are no longer required to identify and document "highly qualified teacher" (HQT) status for teachers hired after December 10, 2015. A summary of OSPI's expectations for school districts receiving federal funds under the Title II, Part A grant application during the 2015-16 school year can be found on the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act webpage.

Preschool TeachersFederal guidelines for Title I pre-schools encourage teachers to “meet the highest professional standards for teaching young children, which ideally include having earned a baccalaureate degree and received comprehensive education about child development…Well-educated, effective teachers are essential to a high-quality preschool program and the successful development and learning of young children.”